🥭 GROWING GUIDE – Mango Trees

The mango tree is a magnificent and robust tropical fruit tree. In a pot, it develops dense foliage and can produce fruit if light and heat conditions are excellent. It thrives in Canada in a greenhouse or near a south-facing window.

Repotting

Repot your mango tree in the spring in a pot slightly larger than the old one. Use a light potting mix such as Promix HP with a little perlite. Mango trees don't like heavy potting mixes that retain too much water. Make sure the soil has excellent drainage.

Light

Mango trees need plenty of light. Plant them in full sun, ideally 6 to 12 hours a day. A south-facing window or a greenhouse is ideal. Artificial light can be used as a supplement.

Watering

Water when the top three to five centimeters of soil are dry. In summer, water frequently. In winter, water much less often. Always use lukewarm water. Overwatering can cause the leaves to turn brown.

Fertilizer

During the warmer months, fertilize once a week with a balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 or a fruit tree fertilizer. In spring, start with half the recommended dose. Stop fertilizing altogether in winter. Too much nitrogen promotes abundant leaf growth but limits flowering.

Temperature

Mango trees love warmth. The ideal temperature is between 22 and 35°C. Avoid cool rooms, as they slow down rapidly below 18°C.

Flowering and fruit

Flowering is possible in a heated greenhouse or under very strong light. Mango trees produce fruit on the previous year's growth, so avoid pruning during the summer. Production remains limited indoors but is possible in a greenhouse.

Wintering

In winter, keep the mango tree near a very bright window. Reduce watering and do not fertilize. A slightly cooler room helps maintain compact growth.

Tropico-Québec Advice

Mango trees hate cold air. Avoid placing them near drafty doors or windows. Pinch off the top to encourage branching. A larger pot promotes stronger growth.